Method and disposable apparatus for guiding needles with an endocavity medical imaging device

Abstract

An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in conjunction with a biopsy using an endocavity medical imaging device, where a non-reusable needle guide, which is relatively inexpensive which grasps the sheathed bracket firm, and holds the same in a set position based upon a protuberance having an intentionally low shear resisting capability.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 10 / 065,442 entitled “METHOD AND DISPOSABLE APPARATUS FOR GUIDING NEEDLES WITH AN ENDOCAVITY MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE,” filed on Oct. 17, 2002, now abandoned, which application relates to application entitled “METHOD AND DISPOSABLE APPARATUS FOR GUIDING NEEDLES”, application Ser. No. 10 / 065,029, filed on Sep. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,817, by Rick L. Pruter and Quanah Lee Bain.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]In recent years, handheld medical imaging transceivers, such as ultrasound and gamma ray transceivers, have been used extensively for various medical imaging situations.[0003]In the past, the physician or medical professional typically will cover an ultrasound transceiver with a sterile sheath. Usually, under the sheath is a mounting bracket attached to the transceiver. A needle guide is then typically attached over the sheath and coupled to the underlying bracket. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention is an apparatus and method for guiding needles, designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs, provide the previously stated objects, include the above-listed features, and achieve the already articulated advantages. The present invention is carried out in a “physician burden-less” manner in a sense that the burden on a physician or other medical professional in guiding needles during the process of insertion into the needle guide, has been greatly reduced. Additionally, the system is carried out in a reduced discomfort manner in the sense that the patient discomfort associated with rotating a transceiver / bracket / needle guide combination in situ is reduced. Finally, the present invention is carried out in a disposable manner in the sense that the base and the clamp used to couple it to the sheathed bracket are designed to be used only once and then discarded.

[0014]Accordingly, the present invention is an apparatus and method including a needle guide with enlarged needle-receiving portions on the needle guide, and base-to-bracket locks which are non-reusable.

Problems solved by technology

While these needle guides have been used extensively in the past, they do have some drawbacks.

In the past, these needle guides have been substantial in size and in cost.

The substantial nature of the needle guide can often result in the medical professional deciding to retain the needle guide and sterilize it even if the manufacturer intended it to be disposable.

Secondly, these needle guides are often at least partially inserted into a patient's rectum or vagina.

When they are rotated in situ, discomfort can occur from any protuberance such as a needle guide coupled to the transceiver.

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